Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Huawei nova 8i and the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and give you the lowdown on which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive comparison of the key specs, designed to show you what they mean for your day-to-day usage:
| Feature | Huawei nova 8i | Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | 164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm | Nova 8i is slightly more compact, potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 190g | 205g | Nova 8i is lighter, which makes it more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.5" | Nova 8i offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2376 | 720x1600 | Nova 8i has a much sharper and clearer display. |
| PPI | 391 | 270 | Nova 8i's higher pixel density results in crisper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | Nova 8i (IPS) generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rates, so no difference in smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness not available, difficult to estimate outside usage. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Nova 8i's Snapdragon 662 provides better overall performance, smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,000 | 117,300 | Nova 8i is significantly faster, better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 | Nova 8i's Adreno 610 delivers better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.9 | 48MP, f/2.0 | Nova 8i captures more detailed photos with better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Nova 8i takes sharper, more detailed selfies, especially in good lighting. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.0 | Nova 8i captures wider, more detailed landscapes. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record Full HD video at standard frame rates. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | Galaxy A12 Nacho should offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Nova 8i charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Galaxy A12 Nacho has a newer OS with longer software support. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 32/64/128GB | Both offer up to 128GB internal storage. |
| RAM | 6GB | 3/4/6GB | Nova 8i with 6GB RAM is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | a/b/g/n/ac | a/b/g/n/ac | Both support standard Wi-Fi protocols. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have Bluetooth 5.0. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both have similar GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos | Huawei Nova 8i's noise cancellation makes it a great choice for audiophiles. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Huawei Nova 8i has more sensors. |
| #### 2. Key Insights |
Huawei nova 8i Strengths:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a sharper viewing experience.
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 662 chipset offers significantly faster performance compared to the Exynos 850.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging is a game-changer, significantly reducing charging times.
- Better Camera: Higher resolution sensors and wider apertures result in better photo quality, especially in low light.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho Strengths:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery should provide longer battery life on a single charge.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 11 out of the box and is upgradable to Android 13, meaning longer software support.
Trade-offs:
- The nova 8i has faster performance and a better display, but the A12 Nacho has a larger battery and later Android versions.
- Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose a variant with enough internal storage for your needs.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize display quality, performance, and fast charging. Gamers, media consumers, and those who need a responsive phone will appreciate the nova 8i.
- Use Cases: Playing graphics-intensive games, streaming videos, taking photos and videos, quick top-ups when short on time.
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho:
- Ideal For: Users who need long battery life and prefer a newer version of Android. Good for those who use their phone for basic tasks and want a reliable device.
- Use Cases: All-day usage without frequent charging, basic social media browsing, and casual photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a fast, responsive phone for gaming and multitasking, the Huawei nova 8i is the better choice.
- Do you value long battery life over fast charging? If you need your phone to last all day and don't mind slower charging, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is preferable.
- Is having the latest Android version a priority? If you want a phone with a modern OS and longer software support, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Gaming Enthusiast: Huawei nova 8i
- All-Day Battery User: Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
- Photography Lover: Huawei nova 8i
- Budget-Conscious User: It depends on the pricing, but the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho usually has a better price tag
Which one would I choose?
Given my needs, I would choose the Huawei nova 8i. For me, the superior display and faster performance outweigh the smaller battery and older version of Android. A sharper screen and a snappier processor make a noticeable difference in daily usage. The 66W fast charging is incredibly convenient, as it allows me to quickly top up the battery when needed. While the larger battery of the A12 Nacho is appealing, the fast charging on the nova 8i mitigates this concern. As a tech journalist and analyst, I frequently use my phone for research, communication, and media consumption, all of which benefit from a better display and faster performance. I can get through most of the day with the Huawei Nova 8i and in a pinch I can plug in to get a significant charge in a short time.
